THE HEALING HAND/ The Newsletter of EMMS International
Health for Today, Hope for Tomorrow
WINTER 2017
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Can you help this Advent? All Advent gifts will be matched by the UK government
Please help to spread the word this Advent with our special resources specially produced for you, your church and groups.
Colour-in Advent calendars and prayer diaries Further resources, videos and talks also available To order your resources, please complete the order form on page 23 or visit:
www.emms.org/advent
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CONTENTS 4 8 10 12 16 18 20 22 23
Poverty, Pain & Hunger in Malawi
Case Notes: Eusta Simbota
Celebrating Lives Well Lived Pedal & Pray
Student’s Perspective Do Not Grow Weary: Responding to Suffering
Supporter Update
Dates for Your Diary Advent Order Form & Giving Page
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POVERTY, PAIN & HUNGER IN MALAWI Gary Brough Communications Manager
Pictures: Top, Mary receives food support during her chemotherapy. Bottom, Gloria has received excellent care despite having incurable cancer.
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n my recent visit to Malawi I saw the impact of O your generosity, bringing care when there isn’t a cure. It’s inspiring to see what’s been achieved so far,
but there is still much to do. We’re thrilled to announce that the UK government is once again matching donations, pound for pound, as we launch the ‘Every Life Matters’ appeal.
In 2014, thousands of people and churches helped to make sure care didn’t stop when there isn’t a cure. You gave generously to make sure children in Malawi with cancer and other diseases got the care they needed. The result? Children like Gloria (left), whose story we shared during the Sunday’s Child appeal, have been given the chance of a meaningful life, free from pain. The difference in the lives of those who were previously suffering is remarkable. There are now three hospitals forging ahead to provide excellent care and to train more healthcare workers and volunteers. Just last month the first class of students began studying towards a degree in palliative care. A new generation of healthcare specialists who will be able to transform the lives of some of Malawi’s most vulnerable people. Thank you. On my trip I also saw the impact of ongoing food shortages and how this affects patients who are already struggling. As we travelled from home to home visiting patients, there was one prevailing problem. Hunger. Even for patients in severe pain, the first thing they told their nurses was “I’m hungry. I do not even have enough food to take my medication.” It was clear that, though we have come so far, there is still
6 Picture: Gresham is given a check-up at home by his nurse, to ensure he gets the right pain relief.
much to do and it’s now time to build on this great foundation. Malawi is burdened by the weight of poverty and continues to be counted as one of the poorest countries in the world. Add to that the crippling effect extreme weather has had on the country’s food supply and the reality for those who are chronically ill is a life of pain, poverty and hunger. The majority of people in Malawi live in rural areas, beyond the reach of specialist care. Travel to hospital is too expensive and keeps families from working, making food even more scarce. I’m delighted to announce that we have once again been given the opportunity to take a giant leap forward in healthcare in Malawi. This winter, for 3 months only, the UK government will match your
gifts to EMMS International pound for pound, to stop lives being wasted in hunger and pain. You can help extend care to the most remote areas of Malawi. You can provide food and pain relief. You can give patients and their families the care and support they need. You can stop lives being wasted in hunger and pain. Across Africa... Non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart and lung diseases will overwhelm Africa before it recovers from AIDS. Cancer cases are expected to grow by 400% in the next 50 years. In Malawi... Cancer care is very limited in Malawi. Prevention, diagnosis and cure are beyond the reach of most people. By 2021, an estimated 180,000 patients and their families will need palliative care.
Limited time only. Your donation doubled. The UK government will match all donations to the ‘Every Life Matters’ appeal from 3rd November 2017 to 4th February 2018. Please help to make every life matter this Christmas by ordering advent packs (see inside cover), organising a special service in your church or hosting your own event. Visit www.emms.org/everylife for more ideas and resources.
EMMS International in Malawi
Your gifts will provide... 30 hospitals and clinics A specialist palliative care centre in every one of Malawi’s mainland districts. Essential drug supplies Ensuring rural clinics have access to the pain relief and other medications their patients need. Food security Supporting families to produce their own food in kitchen gardens and giving food supplements to those most in need. Free care for all in need Making palliative care free for all who need it by advocating for further government support. Spiritual and social care Working with more churches and volunteers to ensure care is holistic.
CASE NOTES: EUSTA SIMBOTA
Patient: Eusta Simbota, 57 years old Project & Partner: METHOD – Palliative Care Support Trust Taken by: Gary Brough, 4/8/17 Health issue: Renal failure, secondary to ovarian cancer Location: Chileka, Blantyre
Pictures: Eusta at home, with Nurse Mary, her morphine being replenished.
Eusta has only been in the care of the palliative care team for a few weeks and this was their first visit to her home. Visits aren’t possible during the rainy season and they rely on contact with guardians for those patients that can’t make it to the hospital. Eusta is cared for by her sister and her adopted daughter. Eusta didn’t have any family of her own and adopted Blessing from a nearby orphanage in 2013, before she became unwell. It was earlier in the year that Eusta had surgery for cysts on her ovaries. Sadly, it was confirmed that she had cancer, and that it had already spread to other organs. She was referred to the PC team and was already suffering renal failure. It was difficult to find Eusta from the
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loose directions noted down from her guardians’ visit to the hospital. With the help of those who lived nearby they tracked her down in the small brickbuilt home where they lived. Compared to many, their house was comfortable, the rooms still small and dark but she had a bed and a room of her own. Sadly, though, her guardians were struggling to care for her. They only manage to get her to the toilet every two or three days. When Nurse Mary sat at her bedside she found her lying on a soaking mattress. They struggled with the medication to control her pain. Elizabeth and Mary counselled her adopted daughter, herself a mother of a new baby, on how much morphine to give. A pastor joined the PC team on the visit and counselled the family and
enquired of their spiritual health also. Eusta gets visits from people from the local church, which are a great encouragement. Neighbours and guardians are aware that her condition will not improve and have benefitted from counselling on how to support her through this difficult time. Eusta is thankful that she can be at home with those who love her and appreciates the help they have given her. She had stored food in the months before she became too sick to work but the future is uncertain for the family once that food runs out. “When I take morphine, the pain is controlled” - Eusta Eusta’s life matters, your support is showing her that. Thank you.
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Celebrating lives well live The last twelve months have seen three particularly special people in the life of EMMS International called home to the Lord. Elizabeth Hill was mentioned in the previous edition of The Healing Hand; this time it is with sadness that I write about the passing of Matt Peacock, who will be known to many of our readers. Drs Joanna and Matt Peacock had been missionary doctors at Duncan Hospital in India in the 1960s and early 1970s. Their passion and compassion for the hospital and the people of North Bihar was an inspiration to many, and this led to some significant developments at the hospital, including the new Maternal & Child Health Block and the Karuna community health project. They were both passionate supporters of this work, and many other projects with Emmanuel Hospital Association in India, and were delighted that the work at the Duncan was expanding from the hospital and into the community. However, it was their godly and prayerful encouragement of many people over the years that is perhaps their greatest legacy. Their warmth and love for everyone that they met
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ed
Pictures: Drs Matt and Joanna Peacock and community work at Duncan Hospital, which they loved so dearly.
was an inspiration. They were always encouraging of others. On a personal level, I will miss our regular conversations and their prayers and gentle encouragement for myself and the whole team at EMMS International. Every time you met them, you left feeling filled up with God’s love, they were both incredible role models for every Christian. Matt, and his wife Joanna, will be greatly missed by everyone at EMMS International, but we are thankful for all that they did in service of the Lord, and for the many blessings that they brought to the lives of so many others. James Wells Chief Executive, EMMS International
Living on through legacies We would like to give eternal thanks for James Duck, Bridget Cecil Leppard, Robert Gordon Bartholomew, Henrietta Jean Lindsay and Matt and Joanna Peacock for remembering EMMS International in their wills. Their lives and generosity will live on in those that their gifts help. If you have left a gift to EMMS International in your will, thank you so much, your gift will save and change many, many lives.
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Pictures: Bike ride highlights, bottom left - Rosemary and her husband Peter
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Rosemary’s Ride of a Lifetime Rosemary King was one of the intrepid cyclists who joined in this year’s ‘Pedal and Pray’ sponsored bike ride in Malawi. Here are some excerpts from her blog.
Day 1: Moon lit devotions. Our arrival last night at Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge was particularly welcome and what a special place of beauty overlooking Lake Malawi. As the moon rose over the Lake we sat round that camp fire together for a period of devotions, mindful of God’s goodness to us and reflecting on our week’s theme of justice and mercy.
Day 2: Today has been inspiring and challenging. Smiling children ran from their villages to greet us all along the way, keen to practise their English. Some boys ran along the road barefooted, keen to race us, laughing all the way. The sun has shone continuously, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees, so the shade of
trees and a light breeze was welcome. I have been struck by the noise, chatter and laughter as we pass through villages, as people go about their daily tasks: women drawing water from handpumps, pounding cassava and small children running around playing games. Life is very fragile here, people have to work so hard for the basic necessities of life, and yet they express a visible happiness that is unparalleled at home.
Day 3: Visit to a rural health clinic. Our cycle this morning was a pleasant undulating ride, in bright sunshine. The purpose of today was a visit to EMMS’ project at Chilambwe. The project is providing training for nurses and new accommodation in 8 areas around that
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lakeside. As a result 50,000 people are benefitting from improved access to health care in local clinics. The daily health challenges faced by this small nurse-led clinic are unimaginable to us in the West. There is no direct access to water, and all water has to be fetched and carried some distance. For the past 2 years, since the bridge was destroyed, there has been no vehicle access to the village. We were able to see the very basic maternity delivery room and the consultation rooms where daily health clinics are held. It was very poignant seeing 2 mothers nursing new babies who, whilst healthy, appeared tiny compared to newborns at home. Despite the many challenges faced by the staff, they are all cheerful and optimistic. They work so hard with the limited resources available to serve the community as best possible.
Day 4: Meet a Mother Buddy. The visit to the Mission was inspiring, witnessing the hard work and commitment of the leaders and staff, underpinned by their strong faith and belief. They work hard with the limited resources they have and it is clear that
EMMS funds are well spent and very much valued and appreciated. We heard about the work of the Mother Buddy project. Two Mother Buddies spoke with confidence and pride about their work and the positive impact it is having in the community. Over the past 4 years the transmission rate of HIV from mother to baby has reduced from 14% to just over 1%, a very impressive result.
Day 5: An emotional last day to Ekwendeni. Today’s challenge was the 350m climb up the Mzuzu escarpment. The scenery was beautiful - undulating hills covered in thick, lush vegetation. Staff from the Mission were waiting at the roadside to greet us, and we were led by a group of women singing a joyful and exuberant welcome song. As we arrived many others joined the throng before we gathered in the beautiful 19th century church. It was a very moving experience, and I was not the only one holding back the tears. The Minister of the Mission Station led us in a period of thanksgiving and prayer with Psalm 136 “Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever�.
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The return: I am already boring my friends with Malawi talk and hope that some will read up about the work of EMMS International and support their work. I am hopeful that my church community may be willing to become more actively engaged with EMMS International, consider a partnership and become an active player in the global church to our mutual enrichment. You can read Rosemary’s full account of her adventures on her blog at www.emms.org/pedal17
JOIN US FOR CYCLE NEPAL 2018 16-25 November 2018
Cycle with us through magical Nepal and discover its incredible breath-taking scenery! Our 350km cycle will take you on a journey from the bustling city and ancient temples of Kathmandu to the charming lakeside town of Pokhara. You’ll pass through rarely-visited mountain villages and see rural Nepal as well as exotic wildlife. You’ll have the chance to support life-saving healthcare that shows every life matters in Nepal. More details and sign-up at www.emms.org/cyclenepal
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Student’s Perspective
Judith Clarke, Elective to Makunda Christian General and Leprosy Hospital, Assam. The EMMS International Student Elective Bursary scheme assists students to visit mission hospitals in resource-poor countries. Their experiences not only give valuable help to mission hospitals and their patients, but also enrich the lives of the students themselves. Here we hear from Judith Clarke. Makunda is a busy 130-bed hospital located in a tribal populated region of Assam, a poor rural province in North-East India. As part of Emmanuel Hospital Association, it has a clear focus on serving the poor. It was with excitement and some nervousness that I got off the plane at Agartala. I was interested to experience Indian culture and to see how the faith of the staff affected their work. Patients presented with tropical diseases not commonly seen at Pictures: Judith at work in Makunda Hospital
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home. It was all the more challenging due to the lack of some tests and imaging that we take for granted in the NHS. This lack of resources resulted in a huge expectation of the doctor’s knowledge to determine the cause of the patient’s condition and how best to treat it. Lack of child protection became painfully obvious. There were girls as young as 13 presenting to the outpatient department pregnant. One day I saw a 1-month old baby, who had been born at 26 weeks and weighed only 800g. Poverty had resulted in the inability to pay for transport to the hospital, never mind medical care. In obstetrics, it was encouraging to see antenatal clinics where pregnant mothers received good quality antenatal care. Labour in India is a different experience than in the UK- the labour room having 5 metal trolleys with only curtains to separate them - which often weren’t closed. Women here were not told what to expect during childbirth, so when they go into labour, they think they are going to die. It seems like quite a lonely experience as women are not allowed any family members in to support them and they are not given any pain relief. As part of the Indian culture,
female patients had to get permission from their closest male relative before agreeing to any treatment or diagnostic test, especially if they had to pay for it. Due to the lack of insight about their health, patients would often not see the benefit of tests, and if they could not afford to pay, would try and argue a way out of relying on the test. This made me appreciate the NHS and the equal access to healthcare that we have regardless of how much money we have. It was so inspiring to spend my elective at a Christian hospital where the staff love Jesus and serving people, particularly in a culture where on occasions there was little dignity and life had little value. It was incredible to see the hard working staff and hear how much they had given up. It was really interesting to see how their faith affects interaction with patients and how they show the love of Christ to patients mostly from Hindu or Muslim families. Thank you for generous support towards my elective, which has enabled me to have a very different and memorable experience. If you would like to apply for a grant to help with the cost of your overseas elective, you can find out more and apply at www.emms.org/seb.
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DO NOT GROW WE
HOW TO RESPOND IN THE FACE OF S
Cat Rawlinson-Watkins Director, EMMS International
Picture: Palliative care patients in Mulanje, Blantyre
As I write this article the Disasters Emergency Committee is appealing for help for the Rohingya people of Myanmar. A gunman has killed 58 people in Las Vegas. Mexico has suffered 2 significant earthquakes injuring thousands of innocent people. Hurricane Harvey has ravaged islands and caused destruction throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean and the East coast of America, followed closely by Category 5 hurricane Irma turning the lives of people in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and Florida upside down. There has been a cholera outbreak and humanitarian crisis in Yemen and food shortage bordering on famine in parts of East Africa. The tragic flooding in Asia barely seemed to get any column inches whilst jostling alongside so much suffering.
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EARY
SO MUCH SUFFERING
Exhaustion I feel exhausted by writing that list, emotionally drained, wrung out. How can there be so much suffering and what can and should I do about it? The Bible is clear - we must respond. ‘Faith without deeds is dead’ we are told in the book of James. ‘Whatever you did for the least of these… you did for me’ we read in Matthew. I know I am called to respond, but how? What can I do in the face of the scale of suffering we see about us? I read about the people receiving palliative care through EMMS International, people like Jeremiah, Grecian, and Eusta, and I weep for them and their famililes. Then I remember, I can make a difference and I am doing something. I am doing something remarkable in their lives. We heard recently that Gloria, the young girl that inspired our Christmas Appeal in 2014, whose outlook looked so bleak, has now been living at home for two years, out of pain and with her friends and family. Her life has been transformed thanks to our support.
One by one Many a minister has shared the story of the boy on the beach, throwing the starfish back into the sea. When told that it is impossible for him to save all the starfish the boy continues to throw them one-by-one back into the ocean and replies, ‘well, I’ve helped that one, and that one, and that one’. So I accept that I cannot help everyone. I cannot take suffering out of this world. But, I have helped Gloria, Tadala, Juna and Sima. I have helped many more through supporting nurses Manju, Annie, Doctors Cornelius and Sharon. We will reach out to end the suffering in the lives of people, one person at a time. Mission If misison is to restore God’s Kingdom here on earth, then each act of kindness glorifies Him and I cannot ask for more. I will continue, not to try to save the world, as that is not for me to do, but to make the world of difference to as many people as I can. Thank you for your faithfulness.
“The
Bible is clear we must respond.
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Supporter Update Autumn Ceilidh at Haddo House raises ÂŁ11,000 What a privilege it was to work alongside a local committee of friends, old and new, to put on our first fundraising ceilidh in the North East of Scotland. Haddo House Hall provided the perfect setting for the glamorous dinner and ceilidh which attracted 127 guests. Lord and Lady Aberdeen went above and beyond their role of hosts, not least with Lord Aberdeen stepping in at the last minute as our auctioneer. After a delicious dinner, Fiona Kennedy entertained everyone with a set of songs accompanied by her guitarist Nils Elders. Thanks to the generosity of our guests and hard work of our committee (Lady Aberdeen, Margaret Yule, Evelyn Cook, Jan Sanders, Anne Melia, Dave and Kathleen Thomson) over ÂŁ11,000 was raised in support of the life-changing work in Malawi.
Pictures: James Wells, Lady Joanna Aberdeen, Ann Melia and James Falconer; Fiona Kennedy with Nils Elders; 5 Ferry Challenge participants.
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5 Ferry Challenge complete!
Abernethy Parish Church receives a visitor
On 2 September, 25 keen cyclists took on the 5 Ferry Challenge. Pedalling around North Kintyre, the Firth of Clyde, Arran, and Bute, the cyclists took in 53.5 miles of idyllic scenery with a few tough climbs and plenty of laughter too. The group were blessed with beautiful sunshine which made the event even more special. “The day represented a personal challenge, but it was also an excellent opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together and hear their reasons for supporting the work of EMMS.” Over £7000 was raised, which will help renovate lakeside health clinics, build staff accommodation and train more local healthcare staff in Malawi. Thanks to everyone who took part. We hope to see you on 5 Ferry Challenge 2018!
Rev Donald Walker has been a supporter of EMMS International since 1996 and he recently took on the 5 Ferry Challenge. As parish minister of Abernethy linked with Boat of Garten, Carrbridge and Kincardine, he recently welcomed James, our Church Relationship Manager, to their Presbytery meeting. ‘It was just lovely to have him [Rev James Petticrew] here yesterday at the Manse and have him speak to the meeting of the Presbytery of Abernethy. He was great, so hopefully everyone will know a whole lot more about EMMS International - history, work, vision. His talk, the material handed out, the power point and DVD were excellent, and folk appreciated him staying till after the meeting to chat to and to answer questions.’ To book a talk for your church contact james.petticrew@emms.org
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY SONGS FOR CHRISTMAS, EMILY SMITH MUSIC TOUR
3rd - 22nd December Folk singer Emily Smith is doing a series of Christmas concerts in collaboration with EMMS International as part of her ‘Songs For Christmas’ Tour. Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, 3 December Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, 8 December Fochabers Institute, Fochabers, 9 December The Barn, Banchory, 10 December Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, Kirkintilloch, 15 December And more.... More info at www.emms.org/emilysmith
MALAWIAN SPEAKER TOUR
24th November - 15th December Malawian Palliative Care Nurse Specialist, Mwandida Nkhoma, is visiting Scotland as part of a Speaker Tour. Hear her speak at the following locations or book her to speak at your church. John Knox Church, Ayrshire, 26 November Polwarth Church, Edinburgh, 3 December
HEALTH & HOPE BURNS DINNER
19th January 2018 Join this glitzy Burns Dinner, hosted at the prestigious Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
5 FERRY CHALLENGE
1st September 2018 Back by popular demand. Climb aboard and cycle through some of Scotland’s most breath-taking scenery.
CYCLE NEPAL
16th - 25th November 2018 Cycle through the majestic foothills of the Himalayas, enjoying inspiring scenery and amazing friendship while raising money to improve vital healthcare services.
More info on all of our events can be found at www.emms.org/events
ADVENT PACK ORDERS & GIVING PAGE
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Gift for Life Kitchen Garden Ideal stocking-filler for the gardener in your life who has everything! Healthy and reliable food is essential to someone receiving cancer care and to their wider family. Your gift provides seeds, tools and advice to help families feed themselves. This gift comes with a free packet of seeds.
den Kitchen Gar
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Order this and more online at www.emms.org/G4L 7 Washington Lane Edinburgh EH11 2HA Tel: 0131 313 3828 Email: info@emms.org Twitter: @emmsintnl Facebook: EMMSInternational
175 years
EMMS International is a charity registered in Scotland No SC032327. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in Scotland No SC224402.